Uche Sparks Comfortable Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their first-ever continental campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Missing key figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding result that all but secures them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further victory in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS should be sufficient to seal straight entry to the knockout stages, especially after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Moment
This occasion provided a platform for several Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, scoring for the second game in succession.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were no match against a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg problems.
Dominance Established from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close minutes later, driving a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's shot had hit the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The match was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring with his first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still room for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
